Under private property, each tries to establish over the…
“Under private property, each tries to establish over the other an alien power, so as thereby to find satisfaction of his own selfish need. The increase in the quantity of objects is therefore accompanied by an extension of the realm of the alien powers to which man is subjected, and every new product represents a new potentiality of mutual swindling and mutual plundering.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The more private property expands, the more people become dependent on each other's power, leading to increased exploitation and mutual deceit.
In simple terms: More property creates more power struggles and cheating.
Key Takeaway
Beware how ownership can breed exploitation.
Themes
property
exploitation
power
competition
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- legal contracts
- personal relationships
- market transactions
Key Concepts
marxism
alienation
mutual exploitation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does ownership affect trust?
- Can shared resources reduce exploitation?
A Different Perspective
It ignores cooperative alternatives that could reduce conflict.